Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Movie Review: X-Men First Class ~ Class Act

Movie Review: X-Men First Class

I must admit. Growing up I thought it would be cool to have super powers. Actually, I still think it’s cool to have superpowers: the power of telepathy (“Hey –enter celebrity’s name here—you really shouldn’t be wearing that”); the power of telekinesis (for when I’m shopping and I don’t want to walk around the entire boutique with a handful of clothing—I’d rather just move them directly to the dressing room); or the power to fly (so I can make it to every fashion show and IFB event around the world without worrying about airline tickets). I’ve always wanted to be a Class 5 mutant.

I wouldn’t call myself a fanboy, but I do love a good comic book movie. I used to watch Transformers every morning before middle school, and I used to think Sentinels were outside my window. I’ve since grown up, but my love for a well-done comic book movie that reminds me of my childhood will never get old. That’s why I was so happy with the new X-Men movie, X-Men: First Class.

First Class is a new generation in the X-Men trilogy. Matter of fact, forget the X-Men trilogy of a few years ago – because it was over the top and not that good. This movie is the start of a new trilogy with more of a “Dark Knight” appeal. With James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender at the helm, this film proved to be a big hit and a far cry from the X-Men films of the past.

Fassbender, who you might remember from “Inglourious Basterds,” plays Magneto/Erik Lehnsherr to a T. He’s fierce (not in the Christian Siriano way), bold, smart, mysterious and a surefire scene stealer. Even though he ultimately becomes the bad guy, it’s quite hard not to like him. And I’ve always been a fan of McAvoy, who portrays a funny, witty un-bald Charles Xavier/Professor X. The interaction between these two, along with the true grit of the first 20 minutes of the movie, is really what sets this comic book story apart from any other superhero film this year—and this also goes for the ones that haven’t even come out yet (I’m looking at you, Green Lantern).

A nice supporting cast of X-Men, The Brotherhood and the Hellfire Gang really pull the movie together, although any issues that I do have with the film are also related to the supporting roles. January Jones, Jennifer Lawrence, Zoe Kravitz and a few others could have definitely stepped it up a notch, but I do believe Lawrence as Mystique was very intriguing. Kevin Bacon plays Sebastian Shaw, the leader of the Hellfire Gang. And yes, he is awesome as a super villain (and while watching him on screen, I kept thinking that 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon just got cooler).

For a comic book movie, one of the best things about this film is the acting. The action is great as well, and it was so funny seeing an origin film after being so familiar with the characters. You really understand why Magneto is the way he is, and why he and Professor X have such a strong connection. All I can say is, thank goodness director Matthew Vaughn and the writers were able to revamp this franchise and turn it into something memorable enough to add to my movie reviews. I think I might just see it again. It would be great to have a superpower that would let me see it for free.

Sidenote: I was sitting close to the front in the theater—the theater was large. Empty seats were available. But this random guy decides to sit right next to me and the entire length of the movie (132 minutes) he is tweaking…as in high on meth, people! And he smelled. But I was a trooper and didn’t let that bother my night. The end.

Movie rating ~ 4 out of 5 hearts♥♥♥♥~~~And though I know this makes me seem like I'm lying when I say that I'm not a fanboy, I thought it only made sense to include this collage of Phoenix ComiCon that me and my hubby attended at the end of May.

Everyone is talking about x-men. I can't wait to see it, though my bf is boycotting for really nerdy reasons haha. Thanks for the link to the Lolita blogger. I have a lot of spare time Ruhr now to check out new blogs haha, great collage, if I ever decide to blog about Phoenix in a moment of boredom here I'll have to link your collage.

I lovvee X-Men and am going to see it tonight. The man who plays Magneto also played Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre (and did a good job). I've always wanted to be able to fly. I looovvee you comic con pics! Very jealous (I want to go). :-) :-) <3 H

You and the hubs would get along great. I refuse to watch those flicks with him. Poor guy! Of course he turns me down on loads of chick flicks, so I guess it's even. Haha! You look darling in those pics!

It uses the themes of the previous movies to build an intelligent, fast-paced, and highly entertaining prequel. The performances from the whole cast, especially McAvoy and Fassbender add a lot to these great characters as well. Good review, check out mine when you can!

okay Im jealous that you got to meet those people at ComiCon! Ive always been a big fan of the xmen movies and esp the cartoon from the 90s. Wolverine was always my favorite! Great review! i really had no idea Kevin Bacon was in it...he was great. And I really loved the Professor. You're right some of the other actors could have stepped it up a little.

I completely agree, the movie is definitely a step in the right direction and may start making up for 'The Last Stand' disaster that was the last X-Men movie. I also like that they aren't using the comic book stories as the base for this, gives them more room for creativity in making a good movie (although I'm sure this will piss off the true fanboys).